§ 37. Lieut.-Colonel Heneageasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider setting up a committee to examine and report upon the best methods of organising defence against inroads of the sea, in view of the situation created since the report of the Royal Commission on Coast Erosion and Afforestation in 1911, having in view inroads of the sea in Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Essex, and elsewhere, and the setting up of catchment boards, some of which have certain powers for sea defence?
§ Captain WallaceThe Royal Commission to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers came to the conclusion that there was no national advantage to be gained by any scheme of general defence of the coasts against erosion. The action which should be taken against inroads of the sea at different parts of the coast must depend on local conditions and local requirements. I do not think it probable that inquiry by a committee would add to the information already available.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HeneageWill the right. hon. and gallant Member say what local authority there is that can look after this matter?
§ Captain WallacePerhaps the hon. and gallant Member will read the answer given by the Minister of Agriculture to the hon. and gallant Member for Chatham (Captain Plugge) on 24th February.
§ Mr. MesserDoes this mean that nothing has been done to deal with the great evil of erosion?
§ Captain WallaceNo, Sir.